Centrifugal pump.



No. 632,572. Patented Sept. 5, I899.

E. m. wens.

GENTRIFUGAL PUMP.

(Application filed Dec. 18, 1897.)

2 Sheets-Sheet I.

(No Model.)

//v VEN TOR Jifvens.

B) A TTOHNE Y5 WITNESSES flwm 5. M. IVENS. CENTBIFUGAL PUMP.

(Application filed Dec. 18, 1897.) (N 0 II o d e I Patented Sept. 5,I899.

2 Sheets-Sheet z,

THE Noam: vsrzns co. vnorauwou WASNXNGTON, u. c.

ATTORNEY-5.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

EDMUND lM. IVENS, OF NE\V ORLEANS, LOUISIANA.

CENTRIFUGAL PUM P.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 632,572, datedSeptember 5, 1899. Application filed December 18, 1897. Serial No.662,487. N I fi l 1'0 all w/tom it Duty concern.

Be it known that I, EDMUND M. Ivnns, of New Orleans, in the parish ofOrleans and State of Louisiana, have invented a new and ImprovedCentrifugal Pump, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in centrifugal pumps moreespecially adapted for use in hydraulic dredging, and, among otherobjects, it seeks to provide a pump of this character in which the wateris taken in at both sides of the disk in a uniform flow and force,whereby the pressure on such disk from both sides is automaticallybalanced and a maximum induction action of such disk effected, and inwhich suitable means are provided for adjusting the said disks wherebyto readily take up the wear thereon and hold its edges or wings in closeengagement with the sides of the disk or pump chamber, and therebymaintain a more uniform suction or pumping action and reduce theliability of quick wear and obstruction from debris to a minimum.

This invention also comprehends the construction of a pump of thischaracter in which the air held in the suction-pipe is automaticallyrelieved the moment the pump is started without the aid of anysupplemental exter nally-arranged devices, whereby the air is drawn outfrom the suction and the water head below the main valve in the river orother source of supply is instantly lifted to fill the suction-pipewhere it was previously filled with air, and thus prime or keep the pumpready for operation automatically at all times after it has been oncefilled with water to a point between the main valve and the discharge,thereby dispensing with the use of valves, strainers, and primer whenthe pump is in operation and the use of a jet-pump or other supplementalmeans for drawing off the air under the main valve at the starting ofthe pump.

Another object of this invention is to provide in a pump of thischaracter a main valve mechanism adapted to be conveniently set inposition for use and easily detached and removed from the valve-chamberwithout disconnecting any part of such valve-chamber or removing thesuction-pipe and in which all the working parts of the pump are adjustably secured above the water and in sight.

Again, this invention seeks to provide a suction-pump taking water atopposite sides of its pumping-disk, having means for parting the watercolumn at its entrance from the suction-pipe and channel-ways receivingthe divided column, having an area sufficient to reduce the frictionalimpact of the divided water columnto a minimum as it flows to the inletsat each side of the pump-disk and effect a considerable saving of power.

In its subordinate features this invention embodies the peculiarcombination and novel arrangement of parts, such as will be firstdescribed in detail and then be specifically pointed out in the appendedclaims, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, in whichFigure 1 is a perspective view illustrating my invention as set up foruse. Fig. 2 is a vertical longitudinal section of my improvedcentrifugal pump. Fig. 3 is a horizontal section of the same on the line3 3 of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a cross-section taken on the line 4 4 of Fig.2. Fig. 5 is a cross-section'on the line 5 5 of Fig. 4, the valve beingshown in its open position. Fig. 6 is a view of a modified form ofvent-valve. Fig. 7 is a detail view illustrating the manner of keyingthe disk onto the shaft.

In the practical construction of my pump the same is mounted on asubstantial baseframe consisting of the longitudinal and transversechannel-irons 1 l The pump-casing consists of a central or disk-holdingportion 2, one end of which terminates in an induction-compartment 2,while the other terminates in an eduction or discharge mouth 2*, towhich the elbow or extended and communicating to form the in ductioncompartment or month, which in practice is preferably square, ornearlyso, in crosssection.

The front end of the pump chamber is formed with a forwardly-projectingwedge portion 7,which extends out nearly to the front end of theinduotion-chamber and divides it into two opposite leads 8 S, which Iterm the reservoir-channels.

The drive-shaft 9 is journaled eccentrically of the pumping-chamber andcentrallyin line of the induction-openings 2 theends thereof extendingthrough the casing and engaging the hearings on the stuffing-boxes 9.

The disk 6, the peculiar construction of which and its means ofconnection with the drive-shaft form an essential feature of thisinvention, is of the conventional radial-blade shape, its blades beingof the' full width of the pump-chamber 2 and extending to the edge ofthe openings 2 while the shanks and the hub are of a reduced width toallow for a free ingress of the fluid, such form also providing for aneven balance of the wheel, as a practically equal centrifugal fluidaction is induced on both sides of the disk. Furthermore, sucharrangement of the disk serves, in conjunction with the continuouscurved or spiral peripheral way of the casing, to properly direct themovements of the entering water toward the eduction end.

To provide for a simple and effective means wear, such disk is made oftwo longitudinal sections, each independently keyed upon the shaft 9.Each disk-section has an annular hub-rim 10, which rims abut, as clearlyshown in Fig. 3. The rim 10 of one section carries a number ofset-screws 11, which bear against the opposite rim. By adjusting suchscrews 11 the two sections can be readily pushed apart to bring thewings or blades close up to the casing-wall as conditions may makenecessary. Each half of the disk is keyed independently on the shaft,and for such purpose the shaft has two key-slots 13 13 of a lengthgreater-than the two diskhubs combined. In keying the hubs the key forside X is driven toward the center line. L, while the key for the otherdisk-section Y drives into slot 13 from opposite end of shaft toward L.By this arrangement, as the disksections are forced apart they pulltighter on the keys. The keys are backed out by pressing a drift-pin orpunch through the free end of slot against the toe of the pin.

To provide for ready access to the interior section.

of the pump, the casing is made of two sections bolted together, asshown.

15 indicates the inlet-valve-chamber sec tion, which has its rearportion square in cross- This section is bolted to the flange of theinduction-mouth and bracketed to rest on the steel channel-supports l ata suitable distance out from the said flangemouth. The lower end of thesection 15 has a flange 15, to which is secured a valve-seat section 16,circular in cross section, which has a flange 16, whereby it is securedto the lower end of the section 15, and a flange 16 for securing it tothe inlet or water-lead pipe.

It will be noticed, particularlyin Fig. 2, that the valve-seat end ofthe section 16 extends within the lower end of section 15, the purposeof which is to allow for securing the meeting ends of the sections 15and 16 and forming an opening 17 at one side in the section 15, throughwhich the main valve devices can be inserted and withdrawn. valvedevices consist of the mainvalve proper, 18, which is hinged to theshank portion 19, projected inward from a cap or band piece 19, whichafter the valve is inserted in place is bolted water tight to theoutside of the valvechamber. Thus it will be readily apparent that thevalve can readily swing up to the position shown in dotted lines andleave practically an unobstructed passagefor the water during theoperation of the pump. Furthermore, by simply loosening the bolts whichsecure the band 19 the entire valve can be withdrawn from thevalve-chamber (it having a suitable eyebolt 19 to facilitate suchoperation) without detaching the suction-pipe section 16 or any of theother parts of the pump.

Them ain valve 18 has a supplemental ventvalve 20. In the preferred formthis valve consists of a hollow plug 21, held in a sectionalspring-metal seat 21 having a limited vertical play in the main valve,its upper and lower ends having annular flanges for limiting themovement thereof. The valve 21 has a solid top and a series of air-vents21 at the upper end.

By providing the main valve with a supplemental or vent valve it ismanifest that in starting the pump when the water-head is below the mainvalve the vacuum created above the main valve allows such valve 21 to belifted by the atmospheric pressure beneath the main valve until itsvents 21 open up communication with the induction-chamber, therebyproviding for a quick release of the air below the main valve and aconsequent lift of the water-head, which in its upward flow raises themain valve to the position shown in dotted lines, thereby leaving thepump clear of every obstruction.

Instead of using a valve as described the supplemental valve maybe inthe nature of The the danger of chips or other debris lodging betweenthe valve and its seat is reduced to p valve having a supplementalvent-valve admits of the separation of the water column as it is drawnagainst the wedge and the establishing of a partial vacuum, whichreduces pressure on the channels and causes the ventvalve to open, theatmosphere causing the water to rise in suction and push air out whenfull column comes, (which in practice occurs in a few seconds,) openingmain valve, the pumpat once throwing out a full water column.

The use of a vent-valve for the purposes stated forms an importantfeature of this invention for the reason that were there no ventvalvethe pump would get air past the main valve all at once and inconsequence break the water column. On a high lift the elasticity of theair under the main valve would prevent the mainvalve opening, and hencemaking the employment of supplemental devices (such as jetpump)necessaryto draw ofi the air under the main valve.

By arranging the several parts as described all of the working portionsare above the water-level in sight and arranged to be readily adjusted.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim, and desire to secureby Letters Patent, is

1. In a centrifugal pump, the combination with a chamber havingdiametrically opposite inlets, of a disk rotatively supported in saidchamber, and involving wings adjustably mounted relatively to each otherand overlapping the inlets and means for holding the respective wings inclose contact with the inner faces of the opposite walls of the chamber,substantially as specified.

2. In a centrifugal pump, the combination with a chamber, of a pump-diskrotatively supported in said chamber and including two sections eachconsisting of a hub and wings or blades secured to said hub, and meanscarried by'one hub and engaging the other hub, and operable to maintainboth series of blades in contact with the opposite walls of the chamber,substantially as specified. I

3. In a centrifugal pump, the combinationwith a chamber, of a pump-diskrotatively supported in said chamber and including two sections eachconsisting of a hub and wings or blades secured to said hub, a series ofsetscrews carried by one hub and located to engage the other hub,whereby on turning the said screws, the respective Wings will be forcedinto close contact with the opposite walls of said chamber,substantiallyas specified.

l. In a centrifugal pump; in combination with the pumping-chamber havinginlets at diametrically opposite sides and an induction-pipecommunicating with such inlets and having a discharge-opening,substantially as described; and the pumping-disk; ofautomatically-operating priming devices located within the indnotion-pipe, said devices comprising a main valve located above the normal water-head and adapted to be elevated by the water-lift, and anair-operated ventvalve adapted when opened to relieve the air- 7pressure between the water-head and the main valve in advance of thewater-lift as a vacuum is created above it substantially as shown anddescribed. 0

5. The combination of the casing having an eccentric chamber providedwith oppositely-disposed side inlets and a discharge; of the pump-diskheld to rotate within the eccentric chamber and having its axiscentrally of said inlets, said disk being formed of twolongitudinally-separable sections having adjustable means, whereby bothsections can be forced apart; a device for. fixedly holdmg the sectionsto their adjustment and to travel in close relation to the sides of theeasing, as specified. l

6. In a centrifugal pump, the combination with the central disk and theshaft having two key-slots, of a length greater than the two disk-hubscombined, and the fixedlymovable keys, of a length substantially that ofone of the disk-hub sections, substantially as shown and described. p

7. A centrifugal pump including a suctio'n pipe, a main valve disposedwithin said sucward therefrom and serving .to separate the water columnintotwo currents; an induc- I tion-pipe located in advance of said wedgeportion; a main valve disposed in said pipe and an air-operatedsupplemental valve supported by the main valve.

9. In a centrifugal pump, the combination with a chamber having inlets,of a disk located in said chamber, and involving two sections providedwith wings adj ustably mounted relatively to each other; means forpositively holding the respective wings inclose contact with the wallsof said chamber; a shaft for carrying the disk; and-independent keys forsecuring the two sections of the disk to the shaft, substantially asspecified.

10. In a centrifugal pump, the combination to which said Valve ishinged; and aseeond with a pump-easing and with an inductionandair-operated Valve carried by said first- 10 pipe communicatingtherewith, said induomentioned valve, substantially as specified.Lion-pipe having a Valve-inserting opening, I TD 5 of a main valvedisposed in said pipe; a l EDMUL valve-carrying member secured to theoutside Witnesses: of said pipe and having projections extend- V. A.SODD, ing into the latter through said opening and R. V. BARR.

